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Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new low-concentration estriol formulation (0.005% estriol vaginal gel), providing an ultra low dose of estriol per application (50 μg), for the local treatment of postmenopausalvaginal atrophy.

Methods Postmenopausal women with symptoms and signs of vaginal atrophy were enrolled in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Women received either 1 g of vaginal gel containing 50 μg of estriol or placebo gel, daily for 3 weeks and then twice weekly up to 12 weeks. A cytological vaginal study, evaluation of vaginal pH, and assessment of symptoms and signs of vaginal atrophy were performed, and changes between baseline and weeks 3 and 12 were assessed. Adverse events were recorded.

Results A total of 167 women were included (114 received estriol and 53 received placebo). After 12 weeks of therapy, a superiority of estriol compared with placebo gel was shown in the change in maturation value and vaginal pH (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The superiority of estriol was well demonstrated in improvement of vaginal dryness (P = 0.001) and the Global Symptom Score (P = 0.018). Estriolgel proved also superior in the improvement of several of the most outstanding vaginal signs of vaginal atrophy evaluated. After 3 weeks, estriolgel also showed a superiority over the placebo gel in most symptoms and signs evaluated. Treatment-related adverse events were similar among groups.

Conclusions 0.005% Estriol vaginal gel, a new formulation providing an ultra low dose of estriol per application, was shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of postmenopausalvaginal atrophy.

Financial disclosure/conflicts of interest: All the authors received compensation for their activity as investigators of the study. Dr. Nieto and Dr. Moscoso del Prado are full-time employees of Italfarmaco SA.